I attended the launch of the centenary exhibition at Westminster Cathedral last night (May 9th) by Sir Nicholas Kenyon. Amongst the distinguished attendees were organist Nicolas Kynaston, violinist Christopher Hirons and singers John Elwes, Ian Partridge and Jeremy White. Giles Dawson, Nicolas Kynaston and Martin Baker shared appreciations and anecdotes about the great man. Beforehand the Choristers, under Martin Baker, sang Britten's Missa Brevis, they of course being the dedicatees, and it was notable that the two original soloists in the first performance (and Decca recording) were also in attendance: John Elwes (then Hahessy) and Michael Ronayne. Giles Dawson and the Friends of Westminster Cathedral have done a splendid job in organising this event and I urge anyone interested in George and his historic time at the Cathedral to visit. It's free and it runs until the end of July.
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